| Author | Message | ||
     Destroy |
Hi all. Currently own a 1987 Honda SuperMagna for my commuter and am mulling over the idea of getting a Buell to replace it but I'm not convinced Buell is my answer yet. Well, just came back from the Buell demo days near me. I rode 5 different models, 3 with the gf on the back cause she likes to go. First bike was my fav by looks, XB12R. Was basically what I remembered from last years demo rides I took. Power was grunty strong with a good deal of shake added in. Idle vibration is simply crazy; no modern bike of this engineering should shake this much. Mirrors are blurry most of the time; like someone smeared Vaseline on them or something. It had a standard sport bike low bars with pegs high type comfort. I'm getting too old for this kind of seating position, jeez. My wrists started to go numb near the end of the 10 mile route. Motor made a minor ticking sound I didn't remember hearing in last years rides but still a very quiet machine overall; zero whine or clatter. I really love the quietness of this bike. Rear brake was very hard with little pedal movement; not good at all in feedback of what's going on back there when using it. 2nd was my fav for practicality and commuting, the XB12Ss Long Lightening. The bike exactly mirrored the Firebolt in all respects BUT has very upright standard seating position, a more comfy seat and less wind protection. Next was the Ulysses. Woman asked me which version I wanted, the short or tall. I'm 6'1", so I said the tall but she made me sit on the shorter one first anyway. Good gravy, this bike is tall; and this is the short version?! I took the tall version anyway cause the gf went with like she did the previous 2 times which sunk the susp down a bit (no, she's not a porker, she's same height as me and 140lbs). Wow, this bike is pretty impressive. Vibration was much smoother on this bike than the pervious 2. It pitched noticeably more when braking and accel. The backrest the gf really liked and both of us were totally amazed at the size of the seats; absolutely huge. All bike seats should be this nice! Came back with the impression that this truly is a do everything type bike. City blitz, long touring and upnorth fire/gravel road riding. Thing I didn't like was the small frt windscreen created a terribly noisy buffeting at my helmet and I think it's fugly. 4th I went solo on the Firebolt 9. Very much like the 12R with less power but I liked this 9R much better than the 12R. Why? Much less vibration is the only reason. Lastly, going solo again, I tried a 9 City. Again, muck less vibes and yikes, where'd the front of the bike go? I felt like I was riding a mini bike or something. Seat shoved you way forward and bars are so close to my stomach. This bike felt tiny, was like I was riding a kids toy or something. Nice enough bike but just too tiny feeling. Conclusion: I will buy a XB9Ss Long Lightening. Oh wait, that doesn't exist, drat. Maybe next year they'll make it at Buell. Or maybe a 9 motor would fit in a 12Ss chassis? Hmmm.... Honestly, I would buy a 12Ss if there were less vibration coming through the handle bars. Are there any fixes to reduce this vibration? For example, a Suzuki Katana 750 has rubber mounted clip-ons. | ||
| Diablobrian |
A "bar snake" or similar product would probably do the trick for you. Welcome to badweb! | ||
| Jaimec |
The XB12Ss vibrates? I never noticed. But seriously, it smooths out at 3,000 rpm which is right around highway cruising speed for me in top gear. Images in the mirrors are crystal clear, too. | ||
| Metalstorm |
Welcome to Badweb. If Buell ever releases a square or over square 12 or bigger for the street that would be the ideal answer. It would have the grunt & power of the 12 which is nice for two up riding & yet would be smooth like the 9. It would also handle like a Buell which is what sold me on mine. Not many know what's coming in 07 & those who do know arn't talking. My gut tells me there won't be such a bike for at least a couple more years so I would say wait & see what they have cooking (we'll know in late July) and in the meantime keep looking at bikes & get as many demos as you can. If Buell isn't the answer you're looking for that's cool. It's much more important to find the right bike regardless of brand. Good luck in your search. | ||
| Xring |
Is the 12 vibration that much worse than the 9? Honestly, I never even think about vibes when on the road on my 9S. OK, at idle I wonder if it is going to stay on the kickstand or not...but once underway it is very smooth. Different from a Japanese 4, but still not obtrusive. My last inline 4 would put my hands to sleep in minutes...hasn't been a problem on the Buell. Good luck, Bill | ||
| Metalstorm |
Compared to my Sporty, my 12Scg doesn't vibrate at all  but different folk have different tastes. But at low rpms I have to say the 9 is much smoother than the 12. As stated above, the 12 does smooth out a lot at 3K & beyond. I still want to see a square or over square 12 with a 7500 redline. I'd sell my truck, my tv, my mother, even this computer to get one. The only thing I won't sell is my 12Scg. She's staying with me till death due us part. | ||
| Xbimmer |
Honda V4's and Buell Vtwins both vibrate, just differently. Give me a low-frequency high-amplitude shake any day over the incessant buzz you get from a multi. Jaimec is right on, when I finally got my Uly past the 500 mi break in point last week I was amazed at how the 1203 smoothed out after 3000 rpm, and it's positively at home between 3500-5000. Smoother even than my BMW R100S. As far as the "fugly" windscreen, after 70 mph that little sucker actually works. I have the tall one on backorder and I expect it to perform even better at speeds in the 70-90 mph range. And if I ever decide I want full coverage protection then those lugs at the front of the steering head will give me lots of options. I'm sold on my Uly and aside from a temporary sidecase-mount setback I regret nothing about my choice. I was prepared to search for a 76-78 Ducati SS (my dream bike) but my Uly meets my real world needs and I'm sure without the quirks of the towershaft Ducs. The fact that you're considering a Buell seems to indicate you're ready for a change... and I wouldn't worry about the mirrors, all bike mirrors fuzz. | ||
| Angelwild327 |
if handlebar vibration is your only trouble there are definitely solutions... first is get buell traction grips, they are way more comfortable and the cushion dampens vibrations, next is bar end weights.. I have heard they work wonders on the vibration, and there's also that bar snake thing..I don't do snakes...but you might.. Buells are fun fun bikes...I don't think you'll be sorry if you get one. Good luck! | ||
| Mikemax |
I got a 12Ss a couple of weeks ago for my 60 mile (each way) commute and I have 1500 miles so far. I don't notice the vibration unless I really think about it; it is actually pretty smooth. The seat is really comfy on two hour rides. I do notice two drawbacks you mentioned. The mirrors are truly horrible with regards to vibration and position, everyone seems to replace them with $10 bicycle bar ends around here to solve this. I can't tell if there is a car behind me and if I yank my elbows in enough I can't tell if it is a cop, truck, or whatever. Secondly, there is buffeting from the small windscreen that hits my helmet and chest sometimes (it is actually often smooth, seems to be a function of traffic and the type of vehicle ahead). American Sport Bike has a 3" taller C/F windscreen and there are two alternatives that look good from non sponsors, one a small windshield, and the other an add on wind deflector. The stock handgrips are also too hard. I love it so far, but plan on adding gel grips, one of the windscreen options, and new mirrors to make it almost perfect. | ||
| Kurosawa |
What vibration? Seriously! | ||
| Exitlandrew |
I like the vibration, when I went from a Harley to a Yamaha I was always goosing the throttle at stoplights just to make sure it was still running. Now thankfully Im back on an American bike, and one that outperforms my Yamaha. | ||
| Destroy |
If the price of these Buells weren't so expensive ($10495??!!!) I wouldn't be as hesitant to just buy one and see if I can live with the vibes. But I can get a nice SV1000 for $2000 less for cripes sake. And a Superhawk for $1200 less. | ||
| Diablobrian |
Fair enough. If that's what you want then that what you should buy. I like the exclusivity of the Buell, as well as the style. As far as performance, the Buell has everything I need for street riding. | ||
| Sound_uly |
Destroy said - "Next was the Ulysses. Wow, this bike is pretty impressive....." Is there a reason the Ulysses didn't make your short list. The small windscreen can be replaced pretty readily (I intend to, just waiting to make sure I know what I want). Just curious.  Ron Seattle Area | ||
| Destroy |
First off, the Ulysses styling turns me off. Opinions vary of course. Plus I don't really need a fireroad bike which added a fair bit of pitching under accel and braking due to it's inherent susp design. Due take into account however that I was riding 2 up at the time so riding solo will most likely result in less pitching. Also, it's a tall seat height bike, you've been warned.  The bike just isn't my thing, is all. Commuter/street bike is what I'm after. A Lightening Long 9 would be exactly what I would want. Angelwild327 (or anyone else), are there any reports or first hand experiences out there with trying to quell the idle vibration on Buells and the actual results? (Message edited by destroy on June 11, 2006) | ||
| Aldaytona |
"I am what I am." Popeye Buells vibrate, period. If it bothers you that much, do yourself a favor, save $2000.00 and buy the Suzuki.  | ||
| Bubabuell |
My two favorite bikes are Buells and Guzzis. I guess the vibes get to me. And compared to the XB, the Goose really sends the vibes. In a good way of course. The vibes really are non exsistent IMO at speed and diminish rapidly as the motor breaks in. | ||
| Angelwild327 |
Destroy, By vibes do you mean just the handlebars or the whole bike or the footpegs?? I'm not used to what other bikes do or don't do vibration-wise. I like the feel of the bike, personally..the handlebar vibes can easily be taken care of, footpeg vibes too, but that's a bit different...otherwise, it's just a matter of personal taste. If that makes or breaks the bike for you, then so be it...but I have to tell you...I think you're missing the overall "fun" rating of the bike. The Uly, while I find it kinda unattractive has got to be one of the most comfortable 2-up bikes around. You won't find a 9-long of course, but the 12 is really a spectacular bike..there are things I miss about my old 9, but the 12 is fabulous as well. |
